Duke of Cornwall was a steel twin-screw vessel powered by two triple-expansion reciprocating engines, and produced 5,520 i.h.p.

In 1898 Duke of Cornwall entered service from her home port, Fleetwood, operating to Derry and Belfast for the London and North Western Railway.

On Thursday March 11, whilst moored alongside the Victoria Pier, the Rushen Castle had to beak away to avoid damage caused by the swell.

[2] Rushen Castle stayed with the Steam Packet Company during the Second World War, being one of the ships which maintained the vital lifeline, first to Liverpool until the end of 1940, and then to her former home, Fleetwood.

During the war Rushen Castle established what is arguably the longest modern passage between Liverpool and Douglas.