Volume Six - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - Select Aspects - Crossing the River Ely . .

1864 - "Conveyance to Penarth from Cardiff. - For the last twelve months, two covered vans have been running daily from Cardiff to Penarth, and a third has just been started. Those conveyances will be very convenient for parties who wish to spend a few hours at this salubrious place during the summer months. The proprietors are deserving every support for their spirit." Cardiff Times [019] 22nd April 1864.

Following the opening of the Penarth Dock in 1865, the volume of traffic increased significantly and for 1d (0.5p) a new chain ferry was available.

At an earlier date to this, possibly from 1857, a small unregistered vessel named 'Conqueror' ferried workers from the Cardiff side to Penarth Dock. This service was introduced by the Cardiff engineer, Clements. The fares were high since she had limited capacity being 6d. and 3p. single and 9d. and 4½d. return. (6d. equates to 2.5p).

The ferry, in 1865, was the double ended paddle steamer named 'Kate' which had a capacity for 227 passengers and a weight of 40 gross tons. The Cardiff Steam Navigation Co. which owned the 'Kate' (and also the 'Jane'), closed in 1867 and the ferry service and goodwill were sold to Capt. Robert Easthorpe and a timber merchant from Cardiff named Valentine Trayes. Mr. Trayes resides at Belle Vue, Penarth in 1868 [160] and 1871. [175]

From official records, however, the original P.S. 'Kate' with the official number 50434 was of 21 net tons and registered at Cardiff on 27th June 1865 according to the Appropriation Book. The 1870 Mercantile Navy List names Robert Easthorpe of Cardiff as the owner. The 1880 again lists Robert Easthorpe os 149, Bute Road, Cardiff as owner and the 1890, lists The Cardiff & Penarth Steam Ferry Company Limited, Cardiff as owner. She had an iron hull and was 74ft. - 7in. long, 13ft. - 8in. breath with a depth of hold of 5ft. - 7in. Her registered tonnage was 21 tons net and 40 gross tons. She was powered by a 20 horse steam engine which powered her paddles. [630]