IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
DETAILED HISTORY OF THE SCHOONER BRITANNIA #
The Britannia was a wooden-hulled schooner, launched in 1819 at Wellington Square, Ontario, a town that would later become part of Burlington. Built by a shipwright known only as Roberts, the Britannia was constructed with a single deck and powered by two masts. With a tonnage of 100 according to the old measurement system, the vessel was well-suited for the bustling trade routes on Lake Ontario during the early 19th century.
Early Ownership and Trade #
Initially owned by M. Brooks, the Britannia served in the commercial trade across Lake Ontario, carrying various goods between the rapidly growing towns and cities along the lake’s shores. The vessel’s sturdy construction and modest size made it a versatile asset for its owner, capable of handling the demands of both short and long-haul voyages.
By 1841, ownership of the Britannia had changed hands. The schooner was acquired by Colvin, Cook & Counter, and T. Dodge & Co., both based in Kingston, Ontario. These firms were well-known in the region, with strong ties to the maritime trade that connected Upper and Lower Canada with the broader markets of the Great Lakes and the Atlantic coast.
The Final Voyage #
The final voyage of the Britannia began with the vessel loading a cargo of staves in Hamilton, Ontario. Staves, the wooden pieces used to construct barrels, were a valuable commodity, particularly for shipping goods such as flour, whiskey, and other bulk items. The Britannia set sail with its cargo bound for Montreal, Quebec, a major hub in the Canadian trade network.
However, on November 4, 1841, the Britannia encountered a severe gale while navigating Lake Ontario. The storm, typical of the late autumn weather on the Great Lakes, proved to be too much for the schooner. Off the coast of Rochester County, the Britannia foundered, succumbing to the violent conditions. Tragically, it is believed that five or six individuals lost their lives in the sinking.
Aftermath and Wreckage #
In the days following the disaster, wreckage from the Britannia began to wash ashore along the coast of Lake Ontario. News reports from the time confirmed the identity of the wrecked vessel based on the debris and cargo that were recovered. Among the items found were pieces of the schooner’s hull and some of the staves it had been carrying.
The discovery of the wreckage provided grim confirmation of the vessel’s fate and served as a stark reminder of the perils that ships faced while navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during the stormy autumn months. The loss of the Britannia was one of many maritime tragedies that occurred during this period, highlighting the inherent dangers of 19th-century lake navigation.
Legacy of the Britannia #
The sinking of the Britannia is a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario. The vessel’s demise, along with the loss of its crew and cargo, underscores the risks that sailors and merchants faced in their efforts to connect the communities of Upper and Lower Canada with the broader world.
The Britannia is remembered as part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes history, representing both the opportunities and the hazards of maritime trade during the early 19th century. The schooner’s story, though marked by tragedy, is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who braved the often unforgiving waters of the Great Lakes.
Sources #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Provides historical data on shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: A comprehensive resource offering information on the vessels and events that shaped the history of the Great Lakes.
