Volume One - Into the Victorian Age - Some newspaper reports from the 1890's

• November 1890 - Penarth Dock - Serious Accident to a Youth - "A youth named William Turnbull, residing with his mother, at 27, John-street, Penarth, met with a serious accident whilst engaged working steam winch No. 1 on Penarth dock on Tuesday last. It appears that he was helping to discharge deals from the steamer North, which arrived in dock on Saturday, and it is supposed he was showing a companion how the engine worked, his right hand being on the chain, and his left one on the steam regulator, when the right hand was drawn up between the chain and the jin, the consequence being that he was suspended above the deck of the steamer, where he remained for about a quarter of an hour before he could be liberated, being held up by two men. The poor fellow became insensible the moment he was got down, when he found that his hand was split open in several places, and his arm mangled up to the elbow. He was at once removed on an engine to the Cardiff Infirmary, where, according to the latest accounts, he still remains insensible. It appears that his mother was from home at the time of the occurrence. We understand that a subscription will be made on the young man's behalf, he having been his mother's main support." Barry Dock News [140] 21st November 1890.

• February 1891 - Penarth Dock - Dock Trade - "Owing, no doubt, to the Cardiff strike, the dock is exceptionally lively, all the tips being in full swing, and the scene reminds one of the time when Barry Dock and Railways was unknown." Barry Dock News [140] [361] 21st November 1890.

• March 1891 - Ship on Fire in Penarth - "At half-past six on Friday morning last, on the coal tipper employed by Messrs. Cory Brothers in loading with coal the ship Souverain, of Stavanger, Norway, going on board to resume work they found that the cargo was on fire. the ship had already received 1,200 tons, and was waiting for 400 or 500 tons more. In a short time flames were seen to issue from the cargo, and Captain Aarreberg and his crew were informed of the state of affairs. Five of the Penarth Dock policemen arrived at the scene, and as it was dangerous to the other shipping to allow the Souverain to remain any longer in Penarth Dock, she was towed into the Penarth Basin. Then two tugs were brought alongside, and commenced to pump vigorously. The Primrose tug belongs to the Penarth Dock authorities, and she was fortunately assisted by the Jolliffe of Liverpool. In a short time the tongues of flame disappeared, but the smouldering continued steadily despite the deluge of water poured on it. However, by 1.30 p.m. it was mostly extinguished except in the forehatch and the forecastle. It is apparent that the vessel would never sail the seas again, though her masts and rigging were intact and the stern part was little damaged. Holes were burned through her sides in at least half a dozen parts.