The (sad) history of The Marsh Cat

To the west of Liverpool and the East of Wales, beside the ever-changing sands of the River Dee lies the port of Parkgate.


Our story begins in the year 1775 when Parkgate was a thriving port with many ships carrying passengers and valuable cargo around the globe.


These ships would often be at sea for many months so the captain would take on board a cat to keep the rodent population down. Our cat was the 'best in the business' and his success made him in great demand. During his voyages he sailed to the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Caribbean.


His job was a very important one and he was often rewarded with food from the captain's table, this being the best food from around the world.


After many exciting voyages and ports of call, our cat was getting old and he decided he wanted an easier life. He had been through too many storms and cruel seas. His nine lives were nearly all used.


He decided to retire and was to live with Captain Samuel Davies, master of the ship, 'Nonpareil' and his wife, at the Kings Arms in Parkgate.


Our cat had one more journey to make with his master. They were to take Major Castlefield and other passengers, including 43 vagrants from the Neston House of Correction over to Ireland. A routine trip, or so they thought.


The weather was bad, even the Captain had a bad feeling about it. They made two attempts to cast off and eventually, under duress, the Nonpareil set sail out of Parkgate.


This was the last ever sighting of the ship. The Nonpareil was sunk in a terrible storm just off Hoyle Bank, no souls were saved.


Legend has it that the Spirit of our cat still lives on the Marsh in Parkgate; his ghost wanders the parade looking for the best food its restaurants have to offer. His favourite is his namesake, 'The Marsh Cat', this is where he tastes all the delicious food that reminds him of his adventures a long time ago, before the Dee gave Parkgate to the marsh.

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Posted: Friday 16th July 2010
ID: 3202 - 508