Owned by Mr. Martin Hitchens of Plymouth, the Benevolent was already in difficulty after developing a leak while transporting iron from Cardiff to Hamburg. Then to really ruin their day, collided with another unknown vessel. A pilot lugger rescued the crew and brought them ashore at Hastings beach.
There was a survey held on the Benevolent in 1842 which states it was built in 1802 by a Mr Dennis in Ilfracombe and 89 tons.
The Benevolent doesn't show up in Lloyds until 1808, owned, and I think Captained, by a Mr Livoring of Ilfracombe. Changed ownership around 1821 to someone called Hooper who then sold on to its final owner, Mr Hitchens in 1845.
I can find no information on the Benevolent and possibly there were two ships with the same name as it's listed as 89 tons and also 103 tons, although still listed as built 1802 Ilfracombe!?
It had a few miles on the clock by the time it sank in 1853 and possibly it was on it's last legs by that point.
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