The London Chatham & Dover Railway was the operator of the prestigious Dover to Calais cross-Channel ferry service during the second half of the 19th century. During this period, the vessels operating the route changed from small wooden hulled vessels to large, fast steel ships.
In this book, author John Hendy looks at the development of the route and examines the vessels operated by the company during this period. Subjects covered include:
- The Birth of the Chatham
- The Dover & Continental Royal Mail Steam Packet Company
- The Chatham take Control
- Thames Haven to Boulogne
- A French Farce and The Continental Agreement
- The 'Peculiars'
- The 1880s Clyde Built Ships
- Chatham Finale
- The French Connection
- All in a Day's Work
Chatham Steamers: The Paddle Steamers of the London Chatham & Dover Railway traces the rapid development of the Dover to Calais route during the latter years of the 19th century. It is well-illustrated throughout with archive black & white photographs, illustrating many of the vessels operating on the route during this time. 164 pages.