"Raven", completed in 1889, was built in Rutherglen near Glasgow by Thomas Seath and Company and transported in section by rail to Penrith, and then by horse dray to Pooley Bridge where she was assembled.

"Lady of the Lake" had already been launched in 1877 and over the last 116 years both vessels have been in service on Ullswater. During the 1930s both vessels were converted to diesel and the programme of preservation and refurbishment continues today providing greater comfort in the saloon where passengers can enjoy central heating, beverages and drinks.

Totnes Castle was brought to Ullswater early in 2005, sailing round the coast to Whitehaven and finishing her long journey on a flat back trailer. Following an intensive program of refurbishment, she was be relaunched and renamed 'Lady Wakefield' in a recommissioning ceremony, performed by HRH Princess Alexandra in April 2007.

You can still download the history of the steamers following the links below:

Simply right click HERE and choose 'Save file/link/target as' to download it, or copy and paste the following into your favourite podcast software.

http://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/podcasts/history.rss

We recommend Juice, it's free, it's easy, and it does exactly what it says on the tin. If only life were more like that.. .  .   .        .               .