Launch of the Cutty Sark in Dumbarton on 22 November 1869

The famous tea clipper, ‘Cutty Sark’, was launched by the wife of Captain George Moodie, on the River Leven at Dumbarton on 22 November 1869.

To celebrate the day, we’ve posted several stories about the ‘Cutty Sark’.

The Archive contains dozens of stories about the ‘Cutty Sark’, so you can follow the story of her life from her launch right up to her ‘retirement’ as a display ship.

Oh, and if you’re wondering where she got her wonderful name from, then you need to read the Robert Burns Poem, “Tam O’Shanter”! Imagine a white nightshirt billowing in the wind like the sail on a sailing ship…

Glasgow Herald – Saturday 04 December 1869

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000060/18691204/035/0006

Western Morning News – Wednesday 04 October 1922

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000329/19221004/099/0008

Glasgow Herald – Wednesday 01 June 1870

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000060/18700601/008/0004

Western Morning News – Friday 14 March 1924

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000329/19240314/032/0004