It answers all my expectations, and has convinced the unbelievers, who were 999 in 1000.
It will be only a nine days' wonder, and afterwards a Columbus's egg." It was, however, more than a nine days' wonder; for wood long continued to be thought the only material capable of floating.
Although Wilkinson's iron vessels continued to ply upon the Severn, more than twenty years elapsed before another shipbuilder ventured to follow his example.

But in 1810, Onions and Son, of Brosely, built several iron vessels, also for use upon the Severn.

Then, in 1815, Mr.
Jervons, of Liverpool, built a small iron boat for use on the Mersey.
Six years later, in 1821, Mr.Aaron Manby designed an iron steam vessel, which was built at the Horsley Company's Works, in Staffordshire.

She sailed from London to Havre a few years later, under the command of Captain (afterwards Sir Charles) Napier, RN.

She was freighted with a cargo of linseed and iron castings, and went up the Seine to Paris.