Builders: Laird Bros 1899
Propulsion type: Paddle compound diagonal
Owner: London, Chatham & Dover Railway and the South Eastern Railway
Service dates: 1899 - 1909
Tonnage: Gross 1009
Comments:
Mabel Grace was a fine ship, although she had a somewhat limited lifespan. She was commissioned for the South Eastern Railway but when she came into service she was part of the combined fleet of the SER and the LC&DR. Whilst over 1000 grt, she was limited in size to 300 feet and a draught of 9 feet 3 inches due to the harbour conditions at Bolougne, which prevented a larger ship using the harbour. The water was too shallow at low tide on certain days of the month for larger ships to enter. As a result the harbours at both Folkestone and Bolougne were deepened by dredging and this meant that the larger twin screw ships could be used. As such, she was the last paddler built for this service and was withdrawn in 1909, after only 10 years operational service. Despite this short lifespan, she is not shown above in her original condition. As built she had her bridge between the funnels and no wheelhouse. The forward end of her promenade deck was also enclosed, giving more protection to passengers in inclement weather, something not infrequent in the English Channel.