Mersey Ferries Nun Better - Laird Built

178th Anniversary- Looking Back in History

The 12th January 1842, must have witnessed an unusually high tide on the River Mersey. At all events, the Nun – which was the first Laird built Mersey ferry was swept onto the Woodside Quay (now with wonderful museum and a great place to eat and drink!). She remained in this precarious position for ten hours, until the next tide floated her clear. She went back into service immediately. The Nun adventure was a striking vindication of the strength of iron ships. A wooden hull would have certainly collapsed under the ordeal, but the Nun sustained no damage to her iron hull, her woodwork or her machinery. The incident further evidenced the quality of Cammell Laird built ships – Nun better.