HMS Swan was one of a two-vessel class of cutters built at Cowes for the Royal Navy in 1811.

After the war she served in fishery protection, and half of her entire career as a floating chapel for seamen.

Lieutenant Thomas Dilnot Stewart replaced Griffiths in April 1819, and stayed in command into 1822.

[2] The Elder Brethren of Trinity House found in the Bristol Channel a successful ministry, led by John Ashley, and determined on a new floating "Thames Church".

[3] Holderness was born 1819 in Kingston-upon-Hull, and was an 1843 graduate of St Bees Theological College, where he was taught by David Anderson, ordained priest in 1845.

[4][5][6] He attempted to return to the London area in the 1875 election for vicar of St James's Church, Clerkenwell; but lost out to the Rev.