The Enterprise entering Madras.

The Enterprise entering Madras. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: 924

Description: The East India Company's steamer 'Enterprise' entering Madras. She was built by Gordon and Company in Deptford, and constructed of oak and was 141 feet long. She was launched on 23 February 1825 and left Falmouth on 16 August that year, in an attempt to become the first steamer to reach Calcutta from a European port in less than 70 days. She stopped at Cape Town on 13 October and, after surviving storms in the Indian Ocean, arrived at Calcutta on 7 December. She had made the 15,570-mile voyage in 113 days, 64 of which were under steam power. Although the 'Enterprise' did not meet the 70-day requirement to win the cash prize, the Indian consortium who were behind the competition donated 40,000 rupees to the owners of the ship for their respectable showing.

Creator: Webster, G [artist]; Fielding, Theodore [engraver]

Date: 19th Century

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London