The Murray (clipper ship)

The Murray was a British clipper ship built in 1861 by Alexander Stephen & Sons in Glasgow, Scotland. She was designed for speed and efficiency in the China tea trade, competing to be among the first ships to bring the new season's tea crop to London.

Known for her sleek lines and fine sailing qualities, the Murray was considered a relatively fast clipper, though she never achieved record-breaking passages. She primarily sailed between London and China, transporting tea, but also carried other cargo and passengers on occasion. The ship was owned by Killick, Martin & Company, a prominent shipping firm that operated several other notable clippers.

Throughout her career, the Murray faced the challenges and dangers inherent in long-distance sailing, including navigating treacherous waters and enduring severe weather. She remained active in the tea trade until the late 1860s, when steamships began to dominate the routes. After her service in the China trade, the Murray was sold and continued sailing under different ownership, carrying various cargoes across the globe. Her ultimate fate is a matter of some ambiguity in historical records, with reports suggesting she may have been wrecked or otherwise lost at sea sometime in the late 19th century.