Builders: Messrs Ditchburn and Mare 1855 (1856?)
Propulsion type: Paddle, three cylinder atmospheric engines
Owner: South Western Steam Packet Co, London & South Western Railway Company
Service dates: 1855(6?)-1900
Tonnage: Gross 400 (later 387)
Comments:
This early iron steamer cost nearly £20,000 when built and was powered by "atmospheric" engines with two tubular boilers which between them powered the vessel at 13 knots. Whilst this view does not show it, she had a clipper bow and sprit (which can just be seen). PS Alliance commenced service from Southampton to Havre, later transferring to Jersey, Granville and St. Malo. New two cylinder compound oscillating engines were installed in 1878 by Messrs Day, Summers & Co of Southampton, when she also received her second set of new boilers. A third reboilering took place in 1888. At 175.5 ft long. Alliance was a handsome and well proportioned steamer, remaining in service for 45 years before being scrapped in 1900. The above picture comes from a private source and shows her towards the end of her career.