Harbour Improvements, Patent Slip and Workers’ Houses, Ramsey, Isle of Man

In 1854 Thomas Cummings Gibson of Harrow purchased the old shipyard at Ramsey, intent on carrying out a number of significant improvements including the construction of a Patent Slip. For the whole of these works he appointed John Spencer Raby, architect, as his agent.

Work commenced with the building of an extensive wall in front of the yard followed by the construction of housing for Gibson’s workers. In April 1854 Raby displayed plans for a terrace of houses along the new Shore Road in the shop window of Mr J. Carran, although whether these were for Gibson is uncertain. By March 1855 what were described as twelve small cottages for the workmen had been built in Gibson Street (now Templar Terrace) and were almost finished. Although having the appearance of a terrace of six houses, they were, in fact twelve separate flats with front doors side by side on the street elevation. The first-floor flats were provided with a back door and flight of steps to the rear yard where both upper and lower flat had a dry toilet (later connected to a sewer when mains water was brought into the properties). The Gibson family originally occupied a house at the end of this terrace, converted into three houses when they moved to Orry’s Mount in Bride.

Finally, a patent slip was laid down, calculated to accommodate vessels from 50 to 500 tons. The slip was 350 feet long, and the cradle or frame worked upon iron rails laid on limestone blocks of immense size, upon an incline of about 1 in 30. In addition, new quay-walls were erected, where vessels might come alongside to discharge timber, iron, and stores of all kinds. Press reports indicate that J S Raby was responsible for the planning and superintendence of these works and the opening ceremony. “Mrs. Raby, on whom devolved the honour of giving the Slip its name, performed the ceremony admirably in the usual way, by breaking a bottle of wine on the capstan, and thus christening the Slip.”

NORTH RAMSEY. —We are glad to find that the spirited proprietor of the old shipyard (now North Ramsey) has determined Io bring that piece of ground into good use. A new patent slip, similar to those at Whitehaven and Workington, and capable of receiving vessels of from 600 to 800 tons for repairs, is at present being laid down at the sole expense of the proprietor, T. C. Gibson, Esq., of London. The ground has, also, just been laid out for building on, and a number of new dwelling houses is io be started immediately for the proprietor, under the direction and superintendence of Mr. Raby, of Ramsey. We hail the coming amongst us of such spirited capitalists as sure and unmistakeable signs of future prosperity. [Mona's Herald, Wednesday, October 04, 1854; Page 3]

RAMSEY, OPENING OF THE PATENT SLIP - It will be known to our readers generally, that among the improvements progressing; at Ramsey, the foremost in point of magnitude and importance are those proceeding on the property of T. C. Gibson, Esq., of Harrow, known as the ship yard. We have on former occasions noticed these works, and we would at this time express our admiration of the noble and most useful liberality of the worthy proprietor in thus constructing, and continuing to construct, a series of works, the leading object of which is —the prosperity of Ramsey. The Ship Yard was some years ago the property of an English Ship Building Company, who carried on business here to a considerable extent, vessels of large tonnage being constructed. On the concern being closed Mr. Gibson became the proprietor of the property. Since that event, and until recently, the Ship Yard has been inactive und unemployed. Within the last two or three years, however, Mr. Gibson has expended largely thereon—first in the erection of an extensive wall in front of the yard; then in the erection of a terrace of well-built cottages, admirably adapted for mechanics; and lately in the construction of a Patent Slip, the first of the kind on the Island, the opening of which came off with considerable eclat on Saturday the 12th instant. Shortly after noon, preparations were made for the grand event; crowds from town and country were seen gathering along the Quay and at the ship-yard and slip. A profuse display of flags was observed waving from the vessels in the harbour and at the site of operations. The schooner Gratitude was, with generosity creditable to the owner, placed at the disposal of Mr. J. S. Raby, (Mr. Gibson's agent.) for the purpose of experiment, and of inducting the "Patent Slip." As high water approached, this vessel, which, from the circumstance in question, we doubt not is destined to be of imperishable memory in the annals of the "Slip," was observed moving slowly across the harbour, and in a short timelier bow graced, as it were, with modest timidity, "The Ramsey Patent Slip;" the construction of which does credit to Mr. Raby and his assistants, as did in fact the whole arrangements for the opening, fur though it was the trial occasion, the Gratitude was hauled up with as much regularity, safety, and as completely, as if the Slip had been in operation for years, and the result was welcomed by loud and hearty cheering from the large numbers who witnessed it. Mrs. Raby, on whom devolved the honour of giving the Slip its name, (that above quoted,) performed the ceremony admirably in the usual way, by breaking a bottle of wine on the capstan, and thus christening the Slip.  

R. O. Christian, Esq., one of the owners of the Gratitude, was indefatigable in his exertions during the day, and by his skill and experience contributed largely to the success of the event. Mr. H. Teare, bank agent, another of the owners, delivered a short address on the occasion, in which he spoke in complimentary and appropriate terms of the public spirit manifested by Mr. Gibson, who was well deserving of the gratitude of the people of Ramsey. Mr. Teare's remarks were loudly applauded. At the close of the day’s proceedings, and in order to conclude the happy Issue of the event, in a social and cheerful manner, a number of gentlemen assembled at the Mitre Hotel, where a substantial dinner was served in excellent style by Mr. Pilkington, and it is needless to say all present partook heartily of the good things set before them. Mr. Raby presided on the occasion, and Mr. Oldham acted as vice. After the cloth was removed, various toasts were drank and responded to, among which were—Her Majesty, Prince Albert, and the Royal Family —The Church, Army, and Navy—Mr. Gibson, in connection with local improvements. Mr. Gibson's health was drank with three times three, and was responded to by-Mr. Raby in a feeling manner: he knew Mr. Gibson to be well disposed towards Ramsey, gave a narrative of the works already executed and in progress, and intimated that other important works were in contemplation. The next toast was—The Town and Trade of Ramsey, coupled with which was the name of Mr. Dumbell. Mr. Teare, bunk agent, responded to Ibis toast in a brief but neat speech, in which he expressed his belief that Mr. Dumbell took great interest in the welfare of Ramsey, and that he would on all occasions lie ready to do his utmost to promote its prosperity. The Press, and several other toasts were also drank and appropriately responded to. The greatest good feeling pervaded the company during the whole of the evening, and shortly before twelve o'clock they separated highly pleased with the day's proceedings. Thus terminated an event, small perhaps in itself, but, nevertheless, pregnant with importance to the future prosperity of this town. The schooner Gratitude is a vessel of about 90 tons burthen, and when placed on the Slip had about 20 tons of coals on board. Competent parties express their opinion that vessels of 400 or 500 tons could be taken on the Slip; so that we may fairly infer it will lie the means of affording considerable employment to carpenters and others. We hope the time may soon arrive when such will be the ease, for we cannot do otherwise than wish success to Mr. Gibson in his laudable undertakings; and it is to lie hoped he will meet from the inhabitants of Ramsey that generous encouragement which his enterprising and extensive projects so richly merit. [Manx Sun, Saturday, January 26, 1856; Page: 20

OPENING OF THE NEW PATENT SLIP, RAMSEY. —We very recently drew the attention of our readers to some important improvements—some absolutely in existence anil others struggling for birth —at Ramsey. Amongst the former the new Patent Slip, erected under the superintendence of Mr. J. S. Raby, for T. C. Gibson, Esq., of Harrow, was the most prominent. We have now the pleasure to report the " opening of the Slip" for the accommodation of the shipping interest of St. George's Channel and the Irish Sea, and the complete success and excellent working of the. machinery. The Slip is now in operation—a great fact in the growth and prosperity of Mona's second town—the capital of her fertile plains and outlet of her agricultural produce : Early on Saturday last an unusual amount of bustle was observed at the new Slip and sur rounding grounds, and soon it became known the day was pregnant with future blessings, and the pioneer of the " better days coming" to " the bones and sinews of the nation"—the operative classes. As the day advanced, gaiety reigned in an imposing aspect at " north Ramsey" beyond the river; flags and streamers, national and mongrel; burgee and signals, waived in the breeze. A large number of gentlemen — scientific and thick-scull aristocrat, and representatives of the " vulgar herd" thronged the grounds to witness the ceremony of opening the Slip, and to observe the first craft being hauled up the incline. On the flowing of the tide the trusty old schooner Gratitude, of Ramsey (better known by her port name—the lnjebreck), loosed from her moorings in the harbour, and was warped on to the Slip. (We may here state, that although the tide was considerably on the decline of the spring, yet when the vessel entered the Slip, she had two feet six inches under her keel on the cradle.) As soon as she entered, the cheering was immense; a bottle of the juice of the grape was broken on the capstan, and the Slip received its future designation from the lips of Mrs. Raby; and is hereafter to be called by the name of " THE RAMSEY PATENT SLIP." A large number of bipeds—town and country had also assembled on the South Quay to witness the hauling up of the vessel, —which was performed with perfect ease by manual labour, at the powerful capstan. Mr. R. Teare, senior, one of the owners of the Gratitude, made a speech applauding the public spirit of Mr. Gibson, which entitled him to the gratitude of the people of Ramsey. After the vessel was hauled up, the owners of the schooner and their friends met at the Mitre Hotel, and enjoyed themselves over a plentiful entertainment, prepared by host Pilkington, —Mr. J. S. Raby in the chair. Various toasts, usual on such occasions, including the health of T. C. Gibson, Esq., were drank with much enthusiasm. We earnestly wish that the public spirit of Mr. Gibson may be amply remunerated; and we are not so narrow-minded as to envy the prosperity y of our northern rival, viz., the good old town of Ramsey. We are heartily glad to observe the flow of British capital and British enterprise into any quarter of our impoverished Island, and we sincerely give utterance to the sentiment, MAY RAMSEY FLOURISH. [Mona's Herald, Wednesday, January 16, 1856; Page: 8]

We first notice the extension of the town northward, with the construction of a new road along the quayside to the Bridge which spans the Sulby river, and the laying down of a first-rate. PATENT SLIP AND GRID IRON, upon part of the Ship-yard which adjoins the harbour on the north, and calculated to accommodate vessels from 50 to 500 tons. The slip is 350 feet long, and the cradle or frame is worked upon iron rails laid on limestone blocks of immense size, upon an incline of about 1 in 30. Every convenience is attached, and new quay-walls have been erected, where vessels may come alongside and discharge timber, iron, and stores of all kinds. Adjoining the place for landing and storing the timber, are the saw-pits under covered sheds, and adjoining which are die stoves for drying and steaming the timber. Close to these are the joiners and carpenters’ sheds, with every possible convenience, in the shape of steam and steam power, which may be required for the appliances of the slip. These premises occupy more than an acre of ground, whilst another acre is appropriated to Quay room on the east, fur (be storage of crooked timber, etc. Immediately adjoining the above on the westward, is a large ship-building-yard, of nearly five acres, about three hundred yards of the frontage of which adjoins the harbour, with a suitable incline or launching. Upon these premises are erected forges, moulding-rooms, and every appliance for an extensive establishment; whilst to the northward a row of a dozen cottages adjoin the above, with about three acres more of land, which may be appropriated to any requisite purpose. For these improvements the port is indebted lo a gentleman stranger, T. C. Gibson, Esq., of Harrow, who deserves the thanks of the community for the manner in which he has laid out and carried on these permanent works, which cannot fail to benefit the town to a very great extent, in the employment they have already given and are calculated to continue to the labouring classes and trade of the place. The works have been planned and ably superintended by Mr. J. S. Raby, architect, of Ramsey. In conclusion, we have only lo say that as the whole is now nearly completed, our only wish is io see the premises in full work, and as a consequent result the weekly expenditure of a large sum of wages by the hands employed amongst the tradesmen of the town. [Mona's Herald, Wednesday, 2 January, 1856; Page: 4]

Reference    Mona's Herald, Wednesday, October 04, 1854; Page 3
Reference    Mona's Herald, Wednesday, January 02, 1856; Page: 4
Reference    Manx Sun, Saturday, January 26, 1856; Page 20
Reference    Mona's Herald, Wednesday, January 16, 1856; Page: 8
Reference    The Isle of Man Victorian Society Newsletter 112 July 2020
Reference    Information from Peter Kelly and Richard Bond by email 2020