On Sunday 29th February 1880, the barque “Matilda Hillyards” of Yarmouth was heading for Ardrossan Harbour to take onboard a cargo of iron bound for the United States, when a violent storm sprung up. Between 11am and midnight the barque was four miles outside of Ardrossan Harbour when she sent out a signal requesting assistance. Captain Steele, the Harbour Masters … Continue reading The 1880 Lifeboat Rescue of the Matilda Hillyards