The Humber Bridge opened on 24th June 1981, after which Farringford, the last paddler to run on the Hull – New Holland Ferry service, was withdrawn.
However, although some of the outer parts of the structure and the pontoon have been removed, much of the Minerva Pier, used as the Hull terminal by the paddle steamers, remains today albeit in somewhat derelict condition.
Tattershall Castle was withdrawn in 1973, Wingfield Castle in 1974 and Lincoln Castle in 1978.
Kingswear Castle returned to service in 2026 after the second part of a major rebuild which is designed to set her up for the next 25 years. The Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle Trust is now fund raising for future rebuilds. You can read more and how you can possibly help here.
John Megoran
