Teakwood Gangway Board taken from the wreck of the 950 ton Barque rigged ship Berar.
ote the plaque reading: "Barque Berar 950 tons, Wrecked off the Downlands, Oct 6th 1896".
The Berar, named after a region in western India, was a sailing ship of 902 tons, owned by Tyser & Haviside and was built in 1863 by William Pile at Sunderland.
Initially the Berar was used to carry immigrants to Australia and New Zealand. Under charter to the Shaw Savill Company, the ship made three trips to New Zealand, two to Wellington and one to Auckland. Leaving London on 5 February 1865, she reached Wellington on 10 May, a passage of 93 days. Her next voyage was to Auckland. She left London on 22 May 1873, and reached Auckland after a passage of 103 days on 3 September. On this occasion she brought out 308 immigrants, who arrived well, in spite of that being a large number for a ship of her size.
On 18 October 1874, the Berar left London for New Zealand, arriving at Wellington 96 days later, on 22 January 1875. This trip was marred by 21 deaths due to scarlet fever. A Royal Commission of Enquiry was convened into this outbreak of disease and the consequent deaths.
In October 1896 apparently the South of England was suffering from many heavy gales which brought much havoc not just on the land but the sea as well! The Berar, a three masted Italian barque was on her way from Finland to Spain laden with 1,200 tons of planks however she got caught in severe westerly gales. The Captain unsuccessfully attempted to make for Portland, however he lost his bearings and the force of the gale drove her broadside onto the rocks on East Beer side of Rousdon! Thankfully the crew consisting of 13 men, 2 boys plus Captain Bertolotto managed to scramble over the rocks to safety!
Made into an umbrella or stick stand but can be easily removed.
