Northern Belle

A barque of 1,150 tons burden[4][5] with a crew of 23, she was on a voyage from New York to London,[6] with a cargo of wheat, flour, and linseed cake,[7] when as a result of an unusually heavy gale had to put into Kingsgate, Kent.

[16] On 23 February 1857 3,340 barrels of damaged American flour, part of the cargo, was auctioned off at the New Corn Exchange Coffee House, Mark Lane, London.

[19] The Liverpool Echo pointed out on 9 March 1857 that the wreck in foggy weather was an obstacle to navigation, "A few days ago a ship had a narrow escape by striking it.

"[20] In April 1857, the U.S. president Franklin Pierce had 21 silver medals struck and issued an award of £270 sterling for sharing amongst the rescuers, £10–£30 per man.

[6] The London Morning Chronicle of 9 October 1857 reported that the wreck was to be raised, and that chains had been fitted with a view of floating her with the aid of buoys at the next spring tides.

[23] The masts disappeared from view in early December, and a green buoy marked "Wreck" was put in place 10 fathoms eastward from the stern.

[24] In June 1858 Canterbury Town Council, put on display a piece of the wreck taken from the recently raised hull, which was completely riddled with Teredo worm.

Painting depicting the rescue of the crew of the Northern Belle , 1857
The return of the Mary White from the wreck of the Northern Belle with seven of the crew
The rescued crew are taken to The Captain Digby
The crew of the Mary White in their life-boat are drawn through Broadstairs on 6 January 1857.