Egremont Ferry was built in 1827 and was the longest pier on Merseyside until its dismantlement in 1946 due to a coaster having crashed into it, causing irreparable damage. The MV Egremont, an ex-Mersey Ferry named for the town is still in use today, having been converted to a floating base for the Island Cruising Club, based in Salcombe, Devon to operate sailing courses.

Email - November 25th 2009: My family, Palmer Brothers in Cork bought the Royal Iris ( of Zeebrugge fame) and the Lily and Rose and used them as tenders to the liners when they called to Cork Harbour. The Rose and Lily were renamed  Failte ( Irish for welcome) and An Saorstat  ( the Freestate) .  Is there any record of which was which, this is a question sent to me recently? Family records are pretty meagre and all of the crews and principals of the family have gone to their rest. The Royal Iris name was retained and my family returned a plaque which commemorated the activity at Zeebrugge to Liverpool .  Is there any trace of this plaque in Liverpool?  Any links to further history of these ships would be very welcome. R Palmer. You can email R Palmer directly at: rfpalmer - at - ukonline.co.uk can you also copy any info to me please?