Paddle tugs

[Keelman]

The details written on the reverse side of this print state: Paddle tugs HEATHER BELL and JUDITH (with 'rocket' funnel) at Gateshead. Circa 1898.
The tug ALMA clearing the Swing Bridge is returning down river after towing a raft of logs up to Lemington timber seasoning pond.

[magoonigal]

The HEATHER BELL was built at North Shields in 1861 and registered in 1865.
Owner was Thos. Buchanan, Bill Quay.
(More in Dave's Site, I expect.)

JUDITH.
Nothing found.

ALMA.
Registered Newcastle 1856 and built at Blackwall ??, Durham in 1855.
John Crooks, 24 James Mather Street, Ocean Road, South Shields.

[Whickham]

I would think that the JUDITH is this one:

http://www.tynetugs.co.uk/judith1847.html

But the photo would need to be a bit earlier than stated.

HEATHER BELL as you say:

http://www.tynetugs.co.uk/heatherbell1861.html

But there was also a HEATHERBELL registered at South Shields at the same time. Also originally registered as two words.

and ALMA:

http://www.tynetugs.co.uk/alma1855.html

[magoonigal]

But later than 1876 when the Swing Bridge was built.

Something I did not notice earlier is that both the tugs have tiller steering.

[teesships]

Could it be that the ALMA, which seems to have a tremendously tall funnel, had somehow squeezed under the Swing Bridge, which seems to be firmly in place even though she has just passed?

Ron

[magoonigal]

Stop spoiling a good story Ron.

Its called perspective...........or as described by Father Ted with ref. to a cow.

Minimum clearence at Mean High Water Spring's is 14ft 3ins.

Max clearence at Low Water Ordinary Spring Tide is 29ft 3ins.