Pleasure steamers - Andrew Gladwell

The first commercial paddle steamer was the Comet of 1812. Soon competitive steamer services developed, resulting in bigger and more magnificent vessels, and before long no seaside resort was complete without a pleasure steamer moored alongside the pier. By the 1970s, however, the ships had almost all disappeared and now only three remain in service - Waverley, Balmoral and Kingswear Castle - delighting a new generation of daytrippers. Andrew Gladwell gives us a wonderful glimpse into the bygone age when a pleasure steamer trip was an essential part of countless seaside holidays, and outlines the ongoing efforts to preserve what remains of pleasure steamer heritage in Britain.

Andrew Gladwell has 25 years' experience as a heritage specialist. He studied at the Department of Museum Studies, University of Leicester, has a BA from the University of Kent and was awarded the AMA+ from the Museums Association in 2004. He has a passion for maritime heritage and has created the official website of the UK Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.