William Jenner 19th century

Prison hulks were vessels too worn-out to use in combat, but which were still afloat and could be used as floating penitentiaries.  The Stirling Castle was a 74 gun 3rd rate and was moored at Plymouth from 1839 to 1844.  To the right of the first composition is the Torpoint Chain Ferry.  This ferry was established by James Meadows Rendel in April 1834 and was a flat bottomed vessel with two carriageways either side of a machiney section.  Each carriageway could take two four horse coaches, the charge for which was five shillings.  The only other chain ferries were across the Itchen at Woolston and across the entrance to Portsmouth harbour from Point to Gosport.  Prison hulks were also moored at Woolwich and Portsmouth.