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The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History


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LAIRA PASSAGE FERRY

The Laira Passage Ferry ran from Laira, Plymouth, across the Laira to Pomphlett, in the old parish of Plymstock.

It is thought that the ferry was of ancient origin, probably in connection with either Plympton Priory or Tavistock Abbey.

Originally the vessel used was of the side-loading type and the service was maintained by the fore-runners of the Earls of Morley.

In 1807 an engineer by the name of Alexander was invited to survey the river with the intention of erecting a bridge.  However, he found that the river bed was not suitable for foundations and the idea was dropped.   Instead, his Lordship provided a new end-loading ferry boat hauled across the river by winches and a chain.  This ran for some 20 years, when it was replaced by the original Laira Road Bridge.

 

Copyright:   Brian Moseley, Plymouth, UK

Page created:  14 May 2007

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