Although formed in 1838 with a capital of £46,770 some of her vessels were purchased in 1837. This would probably have been at the latter end of the year. The Company went into liquidation in 1845.
The Hartlepool Union Shipping Company "was established for the purpose of purchasing or building ships or vessels, to be employed in the coal or other trades, from Hartlepool or other ports and places, as the committee may order and direct."
The vessels were registered in the names of six of the co-partners as trustees. They were: George Blakelock; Cuthbert Sharp (historian & shipowner, Hartlepool); Thomas Rowell (bank agent, Hartlepool); William Lisle (miller of Middleton-mills, Hartlepool); George Peacock (farmer Stockton-on-Tees); Ralph Walker (farmer, Stranton) & Stephen Horner.
The committee for the first year was formed of the following: John Burrell; John Wood; Robert Henry Allan (solicitor); George Blakelock; Percival Forster; Cuthbert Sharp; John Wells; William Lisle; William Walden; Stephen Horner; George Sheraton; James Findlay; William Sotheran; Thomas Rowell & John Sharp.
Fleet list (giving life and cost of vessel):
Agility 1834-1871 £1800
Albatross 1837-1864 £2285
Ann Emma 1838-1859 £2800
Anne Maria 1829-1850 £1850
City of Durham 1838-1843 £2900
Commodore 1838-1875
Eliza Liddle 1834-1847 £2500
Friendship 1837-1871 £2360
Gipsy 1837-1863 £2500
Harmonious 1837-1858 £2560
Hart 1838-1870 £2450
Hope 1834-1879
Isabella Wood 1840-1853
John Burrell 1838-1852 £2700
Margarets 1837-1875 £2950
Queen 1837-1865 £2650
Rosa 1837-1866 £2400
Saladin 1838-1845
Thomas Wood 1838-1852
Union 1838-1840 £3050
William Broderick 1836-1868 £2500
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Hartlepool Sports & Leisure
Gipsy - a general history
