Tramore Hidden History
The Capstan of the Monmouthshire
This curious piece of metal is situated in Lady Elizabeth’s Cove. It is a piece of maritime history and its story needs to be told.
A ship’s capstan is a drum shaped device that is used for hoisting weights or for winding a ship’s anchor cable.
The Wreck of the Monmouthshire
11th January 1894
The Barque “Monmouthshire” carrying a cargo of 1100 tons of coal left from Cardiff in Wales on route to Santos in Brazil. The ship encountered stormy weather and her cargo shifted. The crew were unable to control the ship and eventually she drifted into Tramore Bay. The Coastguard used signals to try and guide the ship to a safe place to run her on shore. She ran aground about 50 yards off Gunn Cove. The Tramore Coastguard and Tramore Royal Naval Reserve set in motion a rescue plan to save the crew. They brought the rocket cart near to the scene of the wreck and sent a line over to the crew. They hauled the entire crew of 21 men to safety. The cargo of coal was unloaded and sold. The wreck became a tourist attraction and local boatmen rowed tourists out to view of the wreck. Eventually she sank into the sands of Tramore Bay.
History by Paul Brent
