Torrington (1847 brig)

Torrington was built in Nova Scotia in 1847. It weighed 128 tons.[1]

The brig was Registered No. 80 of 1849, Port of Sydney, New South Wales.

The owner of the vessel was a Mr J Peacock, who was also the master.[1] Torrington was first reported trading in New Zealand in 1849.[2]

By 1850, Torrington was operating in New Zealand, trading general goods[3] and visiting the ports of Lyttelton (formerly called Port Cooper), Nelson, Akaroa, and Wellington.[4]

In February 1851, Mr Peacock was convicted by the Magistrates Court in Wellington of using the vessel to smuggle goods, including 7-8 tons of flour, gunpowder and tobacco. Mr Peacock was fined $100 and forfeited the goods.[5]

On 27 June 1851, a very severe gale blew through Lyttelton Harbour, where Torrington was in port. The vessel was reduced to a wreck.[1][6] William and John was also wrecked in the gale.

Cargo was salvaged from the wreck, which was auctioned in July 1851.[7] The wreck remained on the sea floor and visible; six months after it sank the Harbour Master referred to its wreck as a landmark in the harbour for ships discharging ballast.[8] A one-quarter share in the hull of Torrington (with corresponding salvage rights) was auctioned on 5 March 1852.[9]