The Legend of the Betsey Cains

Abstract

The collier brig Betsey Cains ran aground off Tynemouth in1827 and was destroyed. She was the subject of a legend that alleged that she was the ship that brought William of Orange to England in 1688, when she was called Princess Mary. The author considers this legend, using contemporary accounts of William’s voyage, finding that none match Betsey Cains or even a ship of her type. He also looks in some detail at the histories of the Royal Yachts of William and Anne, demonstrating that dates do not match with Betsey Cains, either of her building or her trading career.

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Filed under: English Channel | North Sea | Other (Early Modern) | Other (Nineteenth C) | Other (Eighteenth C)
Subjects include: Historic Vessels, Museums & Restoration | Merchant Marines