Tod & Macgregor Shiplist

Notes:

          The change from wood to iron as the material for the construction of the hulls of coastal steamers, really began in 1839, when Mr. John lassie advertised the two iron steamers of the Glasgow & Liverpool Royal Steam Packet Company, Royal Sovereign and Royal George. The first of these took up her station on March 2^nd , and sailed from the Broomilaw just two minutes ahead of the City of Glasgow Company's Commodore.

It was scarcely to be expected that such an intrusion into the 'cosy corner' which had been established in the Liverpool trade, would be allowed to pass unchallenged; and, towards the end of September, a general cutting of rates commenced, the passenger rates being cut by 50 per cent, while the rate for freight fell from 3½d to 1d per cubic foot.

Royal George joined her sister ship on the Liverpool station on August 24^th 1839, and was equally well fitted, having her saloon furnished in rosewood and crimson. It was in November 1839 that Mr Langlands became agent, and he immediately carried war into the enemy’s territory, by placing Royal George on the Belfast station, in opposition to the City of Glasgow Company's Tartar, and Messrs Burns'new Aurora, both wooden vessels.

The service, however, lasted little more than a month, and Royal George returned early in January 1840 , to the Liverpool station, where the competition still continued, with further rate-cutting. By the end of July, however, an arrangement had been made whereby each company was to maintain sailings on two days each week , thus providing a daily service, with uniform fares and freight charges being established.

Royal Sovereign was sold in 1842, Royal George remaining till about 1847.