King Edward Model
Model of King Edward, 1901 William Denny & Brothers T.1956.10.f
The King Edward sailed up and down the west coast of Scotland. In World War I, she served as a troopship.
Comment from "The Clyde Passenger Steamers"
The names of Messrs Parsons, Denny and John Williamson will long be honourably associated with the conclusive proof of the superiority of the turbine system of propulsion for steamers as demonstrated by the production of the King Edward. It is easy to smile at our excitement about her in July 1901, but her movement was so fast, so smooth, so silent and therefore so strange to us that she was indeed a wonder on the Clyde, and indeed to the world.
From: "The Clyde Passenger Steamers 1812-1901", by Captain John Williamson, 1904
Comment by Peter McOwat
The Daily Record and Daily Mail was sceptical of the Turbine Steamer King Edward, reporting the opinion that Parsons’ turbines were ‘unsuitable for anything but bursts of speed’. But its tone changed after the ship’s first day’s trial to one of great enthusiasm.
From: Peter McOwat
Questions by Glasgow Museums
Have you sailed on a troop ship? Do you think we need more innovative transport? Perhaps to be smoother and quieter – like the King Edward?
Or maybe you think we need to develop more environmentally friendly ways to travel?
Eyewitness from "Clyde Pleasure Steamers"
She was absolutely NEW. It was quite clear to us that a new style of ship, new methods and a new influence had come that would change the steamboat's future on the Clyde. The King Edward glided so smoothly to a pier. There was now no sound except for the engine room telegraph, which rang out sharp and loud. There was no pulsation, no quiver, no throbbing except when going astern.
From: "Clyde Pleasure Steamers" by Ian McCrorie
Eye Witness by Sir Charles Algernon Parsons
Mr Denny had shown the greatest pluck, interest, and confidence in the system [of turbines for steamships], and that led up, with the co-operation of Captain Williamson, to the building of this vessel.
From: Sir Charles Algernon Parsons, inventor of the steam turbine, Dumbarton Herald July, 1904,
