If you thought that old ship's captains were all rough, tough, grizzly bearded men who ruled by fear, then you need to hear the story of Betsy Miller - The Queen of Saltcoats.
#WomensHistoryMonth #Scotland #Ayrshire
#WomensHistoryMonth #Scotland #Ayrshire
Betsy was the eldest of 10 children, born and bred in Saltcoats on the Ayrshire coast at the end of the 18th century.
Her father was a successful merchant and captain, but while seafaring was in her blood, it was her brother who was destined to take over the family business.
Her father was a successful merchant and captain, but while seafaring was in her blood, it was her brother who was destined to take over the family business.
Betsy had a quiet job in the office, getting out on the waves whenever she had the chance.
In 1833, tragedy struck when her brother passed away, leaving the family and crew leaderless and with debts to pay.
Fortunately Betsy stepped up to the mark and took the helm.
In 1833, tragedy struck when her brother passed away, leaving the family and crew leaderless and with debts to pay.
Fortunately Betsy stepped up to the mark and took the helm.
Captain Betsy was in her 40s when she took command of the ship Clytus and the crew of 14 seasoned sailors.
None of those men questioned her ability to lead just because she was a woman, instead she inspired devotion amongst her crew, known locally as the Queen of Saltcoats.
None of those men questioned her ability to lead just because she was a woman, instead she inspired devotion amongst her crew, known locally as the Queen of Saltcoats.
Betsy sailed back and forward between Ayrshire and Ireland trading timber and coal.
While most ships looked for a favourable wind, Betsy had a point to prove and money to make.
Her catchphrase was "I don't wait for the carry", navigating the Clytus across the water regardless.
While most ships looked for a favourable wind, Betsy had a point to prove and money to make.
Her catchphrase was "I don't wait for the carry", navigating the Clytus across the water regardless.
This incredible Queen was the first officially recognised female ship's captain, but she wasn't the only lady on board.
Her first mate just happened to be her younger sister Hannah and between the two of them, the Miller family improved their business dramatically.
Her first mate just happened to be her younger sister Hannah and between the two of them, the Miller family improved their business dramatically.
Betsy had humour and grace but no fear of the waves.
Her crew loved her for it and asked no questions when their captain ordered them out into a storm.
She did all of it while still looking impeccable in a pristine dress.
Her crew loved her for it and asked no questions when their captain ordered them out into a storm.
She did all of it while still looking impeccable in a pristine dress.
She carried on sailing as captain until her retirement at the grand age of 70.
By then, she was a local celebrity and had a reputation amongst sailors as one of the best captains to cross the Irish Sea!
By then, she was a local celebrity and had a reputation amongst sailors as one of the best captains to cross the Irish Sea!
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