The presentation will be given by long-time Chester BSAC club member Chris Holden (pictured) who, with his wife Lesley, has researched the vessel over many years.
The pair published a book, Life and Death on the Royal Charter, two years ago to mark the 150th anniversary of the ship’s sinking in 1859.
Holden will be showing previously unseen footage of the wreck and will have on display artefacts raised from the site. Exhibits will include a small model of the vessel’s lifting propeller system, recovered from the wreck within the past year.
The iron-hulled Royal Charter was a new type of vessel, a steam clipper. She was fundamentally a fast sailing ship which carried passengers all over the world, but was additionally steam-powered for guaranteed progress in light conditions.
The ship’s lifting propeller system was a fresh invention, designed so that it could be retracted to reduce drag when not in use.
The Royal Charter sank in a hurricane of Force 12, trapped on a lee shore while closing on Liverpool after a long passage from Melbourne, Australia. There were 31 survivors from a complement of about 460 passengers and crew.
A cargo of gold bullion was aboard, while many of the passengers were miners returning from digs in Australia with their own gold collections.
Charles Dickens visited the scene of the tragedy and a description of it was worked into The Uncommercial Traveller, his collection of literary sketches and reminiscences.
Holden’s presentation begins at 7.30pm, with free evening car parking available at Chester Castle car park.
Tickets cost £5, proceeds going toward Chester BSAC’s club kitty. Send a stamped, addressed envelope to Lecture, 33 Meadowcroft, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AY.
Alternatively email for more information via www.calgopublications.co.uk, publisher of the Holdens' book about the ship.
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