Hampstall Ferry
by
H W Gwilliam
Two miles below Redstone was the crossing at Hampstall. It was once the direct way from the Abberley Pass,
by way of the Burf, to Hartlebuiy and Dudley, and much used by pack horses and drovers. It was a dangerous
crossing, and used to have a notice above the landing stage with the words, ‘Passengers cross here at their own
risk’. Indeed, the dangers of. this crossing were seen on August 4th, 1919, a Bank Holiday Monday, when the
ferry with 17 people aboard, capsized, and nine people, including two or three children, were drowned. At the
inquest, it was found that the ferry-boat which should have carried a maximum of ten had seventeen on board,
and the minimum freeboard permitted of 12 inches was, on this occasion, no more than two inches. It was
stated that some disturbance, either aboard, or the wash of a passing steamer caused water to enter over the side.
Copyright ©
H W Gwilliam
1982
Other pages in WHE
Severn Ferries and Fords in Worcestershire
Worcestershire History Encyclopaedia