Walkway To Store And surrounding Area
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All along the walk way are reminders of the towns history. Along with the plaque shown here they have inlaid the names and dates of the shipyards that would have once occupied space along the shoreline. The text on the plaque is details below in full.

John Wood and the PS Comet

"We certify that in the year 1811 we built for Mr Henry Bell, engineer, a small steam vessel of 40ft keel, 10ft 6in beam, called "The Comet", she being the first vessel in Scotland, and that Mr Bell was the first person who projected and carried to effect in this Kingdom the use of steam vessels, which followed immediately his steps, and have proved, and are likely much further to prove, of such amazing importance. This certificate was given at Mr Bell's request, and for his use as he sees fit"

"John Wood & Co" Port-Glasgow, 10th October, 1826

John Wood, born 1745, became foreman carpenter in Thomas McGill's yard in Port Glasgow. By 1781 he had his own business in the Port. John purchased James Muir's shipyard, at the west end of the town. He was contracted to build Henry Bell's steamship The Comet which was laid down in October 1811. John died on 22nd November and his son John completed the launch of the vessel on 24th July 1812.

Steam Passage Boat, The Comet

Between Glasgow, Greenock and Helensburgh
for passengers only.

The subscribers having, at much expense, fitted up a handsome vessel to ply upon the River Clyde between Glasgow and Greenock - to sail with the Power of wind, Air, and Steam.

The elegance, comfort, safety and speed of this vessel requires only to be proved to meet the approbation of the Public, and the Proprietor is determined to do everything in his power to merit public encouragement.

Passengers by the Comet will receive information of the hours of sailing by applying at Mr Houston's Office, Broomielaw, or Mr Thomas Blackney's East Quay Head Greenock

Henry Bell

On her first voyage down the Clyde, from Glasgow to Greenock, two gentlemen landed at Bowling, and there and then paid the first fare in Great Britain for a passage on board a steamer.

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This page last modified on Friday, June 29, 2007