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Magazine clipping from the Sydney Mail relating to the SOPHIA JANE

Subject or historical figure Captain Edward Biddulph (English, 1790 - 1861)

Date1926-1984

Object numberANMS0407[011]

NameMagazine clipping

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Estate of John Watt

Terms

DescriptionMagazine clipping (possibly cut from the Sydney Mail) featuring an illustration of Captain Edward Biddulph, R.N., who was master of the SOPHIA JANE on the voyage from Enhgland to Australia, and the 'celebrated' GREAT BRITAIN. The small article mentions the 100 years of steamships arriving in Australia. HistoryThis article highlights the ongoing significance that steamship trade continued to have with Australia for well over a century. It highlights the importance of Captain Edward Biddulph who commanded the SOPHIA JANE to Australia as the first steamship in Australian waters and played an important role in coastal trade to and from Sydney to Newcastle.Significance"One hundred years ago Sydney folk were celebrating the arrival of the first steamship - the SOPHIA JANE, of 156 tons - which occupied 150 days on the voyage from England to Sydney. Now, a century later, mail steamers of 20,000 tons enter and leave Australian ports without attracting more than passing notice, except by those directly interested. Fast motor ships of great tonnage are also regular traders to Australian ports."