SS Bessemer

This gained £250,000 capital, financing the construction of a ship, the SS Bessemer, with the naval constructor Edward James Reed as chief designer.

On arrival, it sustained damage to a paddle-wheel when it hit the pier at Calais, due to its failure to answer to the helm at slow speed.

The first and only public voyage took place on 8 May 1875, the ship sailing with the swinging cabin locked (some observers suggested due to its serious instability,[4] although Bessemer ascribed it to insufficient time to fix the previous damage).

[6] On 29 December 1876, following the removal of the swinging saloon and other extensive alterations, Bessemer ran aground on the Burcom Sand, in the Humber upstream of Grimsby, Lincolnshire.

[6] Following its removal, designer Reed had the Saloon cabin moved to his home, Hextable House, Swanley,[6] where it was used as a billiard room.

The New Bessemer Saloon Steamer, transverse section, taken through the Saloon - The Graphic , 1874
interior view of the swinging saloon, longitudinal section, showing interior of saloon, ladies' private cabin, and stairs leading to promenade deck.
Interior of saloon and oscillating machinery. The Graphic, 1875
The Bessemer Saloon-Ship running foul of Calais Pier. Illustrated London News, 1875