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Harwich

 

Page 3: Lifeboats, Lighthouses and Trinity House

 

 

This page is one of a series devoted to postcards and photographs of the shipping and piers at Harwich. This page gives a brief overview of the lifeboats, lighthouses and Trinity House operations at Harwich. Harwich - Page 1 gives a brief overview of the local ferries to Felixstowe and Shotley, plus the piers, and excursion ships at Harwich. Harwich - Page 2 covers the continental ferry service from Harwich.

 

An alphabetical list of ships shown on this page is shown below. The Table beneath gives links to complete postcard history pages on selected individual ships associated with Harwich.

 

 

Sections on This Page:-

Lighthouses

Pilot & Port Vessels

RNLI - Lifeboats at Harwich

RNLI Inshore - Inshore Lifeboats at Harwich

Trinity House

 

Vessels on This Page:-

Albert Brown - Harwich Severn Class lifeboat

John Fison - Harwich Waveny Class lifeboat

Margaret Graham - Harwich Waveny Class lifeboat

Mermaid (3) - Trinity House: 1959-87

Mermaid (4) - Trinity House: 1987-

Patricia (2) - Trinity House: 1938-82

Patricia (3) - Trinity House: 1982-

Ready (2) - Trinity House: 1947-77

 

Associated Simplon Pages:-

Harwich - Page 1 - Piers, Local Ferries, Excursions

Harwich - Page 2 - Continental Ferry Services

Harwich - Page 3 - Trinity House, Lifeboats, Lighthouses - this page!

Harwich - Page 4 - Tugs

DFDS - Services to Denmark, Sweden and Germany

Great Eastern Railway - Continetal Ferry Services

Great Eastern Railway - Local Ferry & Excursion Services

London & North Eastern Railway - Continetal Ferry Services from Harwich

Prinz Ferries - Services to Germany

Stena Line BV - Stena Line Harwich-Hook services

Trinity House

Zeeland Shipping Company - Harwich-Hook services

Ferry Postcards

Cruise Ship Postcards

Ocean Liner Postcards

Simplon Postcards Home Page

 

Harwich Photo Diary Pages:-

Harwich - 31st May 2008 - Discovery, Celebrity Constellation, Brightlingsea

Harwich - 8th May 2008 - Alexander von Humboldt, Trinity House

Harwich - 14th April 2008 - Funchal, Trinity House, Stena Line, Train Ferry Pier

Harwich - 20th May 2007 - Stena Line, DFDS, Trinity House

Harwich - 25th February 2007 - RNLI, container ships, lighthouses

Harwich - 28th January 2007 - Stena Line, Trinity House

Harwich - 9th December 2006 - Stena Line, Trinity House and the Harwich lifeboat returning from a rescue

Photo Diary - Header Page

 

Associated Pages On Other Web Sites:-

Harwich, Felixstowe & Shotley Foot Ferry Society

RNLI Harwich Lifeboat Station

 

 

 

 

Table of Ship Histories

Name	Owner	Other names	Built
Brightlingsea	LNER, BR		1925
Dana Anglia	DFDS Seaways	Duke of Scandinavia	1978
Explorer 12			19--
Koningin Beatrix	SM Zeeland	Stena Baltica	1986
Prinses Beatrix	SM Zeeland	Duc de Normandie	1978
St Nicholas	Sealink	Prinsessan Birgitta (2), Stena Normandy, Normandy	1974

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RNLI

 

The following brief history of Harwich lifeboats is from the RNLI Harwich Lifeboat Station web page:-

 

The first purpose built lifeboat to be stationed at Harwich was a pulling and sailing boat called Braybrooke. This boat, run by the Essex Lifeboat Association was put on Station in 1821 and withdrawn in 1825.

 

In 1875 a meeting was convened in Harwich after the loss of the German steamer Deutschland with a view to establishing a Lifeboat Station. Following a further wreck, the RNLI sent a lifeboat to Harwich without waiting for the erection of a lifeboat house. This lifeboat was called Springwell (1), was a self-righting type and 35ft in length, 9ft in beam and crewed by 10 men. On the 20th January 1881 the Springwell (1) launched to the aid of the Dutch vessel Ingered. Seven lives were saved from the wreck, the coxswain and crew were awarded medals by the Dutch Government. Unfortunately it turned over in 1881 with the loss of one crew member. It was immediately replaced by another boat of the same but 10 ft longer. The crew looked upon both of these early self-righters with some suspicion, as they were not very stable in rough weather. The Springwell (2) served at Harwich until 1902. Following the Springwells was a 43ft Watson class lifeboat called Anne Fawcett. This boat stayed at Harwich until the No.1 Station closed in 1912.

 

In 1890 a second Harwich Lifeboat Station was opened. The first boat was called the Duke of Northumberland and was built in 1889. This was the first ever steam lifeboat and was a revolutionary design. Water was drawn in through the hull and forced out at great pressure through the vents in the side of the boat. During its short stay at Harwich it was moored afloat near Halfpenny Pier. This boat was transferred to Holyhead in 1892. Replacing the Duke of Northumberland was the new lifeboat City of Glasgow (1). Built of the same design but 2ft longer. On 7th April 1908 this lifeboat went to the assistance of the schooner Notre Dame des Toutes Aides and in recognition of this rescue, the Hospitaliers Sauveteurs Bretons bestowed 11 medals on the Coxswain and crew. The City of Glasgow remained at Harwich until 1901 when it was sold out of service. The RNLI replaced this lifeboat with another of the same name. The City of Glasgow (2) was 55ft long and was also steam driven. This boat stayed at Harwich until 1917 when the Station was closed due to the Admiralty requisitioning the steam tug which assisted the Lifeboats during services.

 

With the increase in sailing boats in the River Stour & River Orwell, the RNLI reopened the Harwich Lifeboat Station in 1965. A 16ft inshore rescue boat was placed on station, which was partly financed from a local fund. In 1966 the RNLI Committee of Management reviewed the East Coast lifeboat requirement and decided to place a 44ft Waveny class lifeboat at Harwich for a two-year trial period. The inshore lifeboat also remained to cover the estuary.

 

In September 1967 the Waveny class lifeboat built by Brooke Marine of Lowestoft took up station at Harwich. The naming ceremony and service of dedication was held on September 27th at Trinity Pier, Harwich. The lifeboat 44-005 was named Margaret Graham and was the gift from an anonymous donor.

 

Due to the excellent work of the 16ft inshore lifeboat, the RNLI decided to replace this craft with a fast 21ft boat of the Atlantic class. On the 27th May 1978 this lifeboat was dedicated and handed over to the care of the Harwich Station. This boat was also an anonymous gift. This Atlantic 21 had no name and was referred to by its boat number B526, and had previously been in the RNLI relief fleet and used at other stations.

 

1980 saw the replacement of the Margaret Graham by a similar Waveny class lifeboat. On 26th July the lifeboat was dedicated and named John Fison. In addition to monies donated by the Fison family other donations and trusts contributed to the total cost.

 

A new inshore lifeboat replaced the aging Atlantic 21 B526 on 30th October 1987. This Lifeboat B571 was funded by the British Sub Aqua Club and is named British Diver II.

 

The number of persons in distress at sea and requiring the services of the Harwich lifeboats is ever increasing with annual launches of about 90 a year. Because of the demand of the Harwich lifeboats and its vast area of coverage, the RNLI decided to allocate the first Severn class lifeboat in England to Harwich. This has a speed of 25 knots and is capable of responding to major marine accidents where many lives may be at risk. The Severn class allocated to Harwich is 17-03 and was named Albert Brown on 25th May 1997 after a bequest from the late Victoria Masie Brown.

 

 

 

 

Anne Fawcett & City of Glasgow (2)

Postcard of lifeboats alongside the Halfpenny Pier at Harwich.

Chatham class cruiser in the background

The sailing lifeboat (front) is the Anne Fawcett, whilst the steam-powered City of Glasgow (2) is behind.

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret Graham

 

Cotman Color postcard (Jarrold FWP/H4) of Waveney Class lifeboat 44-005 Margaret Graham at her mooring by the Halfpenny Pier.

 

 

Sapphire Postcard EH2163 of lifeboat 44-005 Margaret Graham at her mooring by the Halfpenny Pier.

The Sealink dredger Landguard is at the pier.

 

 

Coastal Colour (Clacton) postcard 293 of lifeboat 44-00 Margaret Graham.

Margaret Graham is in later high visibility colours, at her anchorage by the Halfpenny Pier.

The Sealink dredger Landguard is at the pier.

 

 

 

 

 

John Fison

 

ETW Dennis postcard of Waveny Class lifeboat 44-820 John Fison at sea off Felixstowe.

Photo: © RNLI Harwich.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Albert Brown

 

 

Judges greetings card of Severn Class lifeboat 17-03 Albert Brown at her original Harwich mooring.

Photo: © RNLI Harwich.

 

 

Postcard of Severn Class lifeboat 17-03 Albert Brown at sea.

Photo: © RNLI Harwich.

 

 

Lifeboat 17-03 Albert Brown at the new Harwich RNLI berth.

Photo: © Ian Boyle.

 

 

Lifeboat 17-03 Albert Brown at the new Harwich RNLI berth.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 22nd January 2005.

 

 

Lifeboat 17-03 Albert Brown at the new Harwich RNLI berth.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 22nd January 2005.

 

 

RNLB Albert Brown returning from a rescue with a disabled vessel in tow

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th December 2006

More images of RNLB Albert Brown

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RNLB Albert Brown returning to the station after leaving the disabled vessel at Shotley Marina

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th December 2006

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RNLB Albert Brown returning to the station after leaving the disabled vessel at Shotley Marina

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th December 2006

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Brightlingsea and the lifeboat 17-03 Albert Brown approaching Harwich

17-03 Albert Brown had just returned from a shout where she recovered a disabled yacht which was taken to Shotley Marina

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 31st May 2008

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Brightlingsea and the lifeboat 17-03 Albert Brown approaching Harwich

17-03 Albert Brown had just returned from a shout where she recovered a disabled yacht which was taken to Shotley Marina

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 31st May 2008

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Other Lifeboats

 

Visiting lifeboat 17-02 The Will at the Harwich Festival in 2004.

Photo: © Ian Boyle.

 

 

Lifeboat 17-02 The Will at the Harwich Festival in 2004.

Photo: © Ian Boyle.

 

 

The new lifeboat house.

Photo: © Ian Boyle.

 

 

The new lifeboat house.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.

 

 

The Victorian lifeboat-house of 1876, containing a comprehensive history of Harwich lifeboats.

Exhibits include a 37ft (12m) lifeboat which saw service from 1968 until 1988.

Maintained by the Harwich Society.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 22nd January 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

Inshore Lifeboats

 

 

RNLI postcard of an Atlantic Class inshore lifeboat at sea.

 

 

The inshore lifeboat in the new lifeboat house.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 22nd January 2005.

 

 

 

The inshore lifeboat 8-789 being launched on 28th May 2005.

Photo: © Ian Boyle.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 28th May 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 28th May 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 28th May 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 28th May 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 28th May 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 28th May 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 28th May 2005.

 

 

 

The inshore lifeboat 8-798 returning from a mission on 19th November 2005.

Photo: © Ian Boyle.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.

 

 

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

Trinity House

 

Trinity House is the General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales and the Channel Islands, providing nearly 600 Aids to Navigation ranging from Lighthouses, buoys and beacons to the latest satellite based, Differential Global Positioning Service.

 

For many years, Trinity House depots were maintained in Harwich, Great Yarmouth, Penzance, Swansea, Cowes and on the Thames (closed some time ago). In December 2002 it was announced that the Great Yarmouth, Penzance and Cowes depots would close, leaving only Harwich and Swansea remaining, plus the two large tenders Patricia (3) and Mermaid (4). The Trinity House headquarters are located in Harwich. There is a dedicated page on Trinity House.

 

 

 

Patricia (2)

(Trinity House: 1938-82)

 

Patricia (2) was built in 1938 by Smith's Dock of Middlesborough. She was fitted with expensive diesel-electric machinery to aid manoeuvrability. At 1116 gross tons, she was the largest Trinity House tender built. As the Trinity House "yacht", she was fitted with additional accommodation for inspecting committees etc. She also played a part at many ceremonial occasions such as fleet reviews. Her replacement, the Patricia (3) has similar accommodation. The war started soon after the delivery of Patricia (2), and she served throughout with great distinction, being present at the D-Day Landings to lay buoys. Her successor, Patricia (3), led the Royal Yacht Britannia at the D-Day 50th Anniversary Fleet Review in 1994.

 

More images of Patricia (2)

 

 

F.W.Pawsey postcard H4 of Patricia (2) at Harwich.

DFDS freighter in the background.

 

 

F.W.Pawsey postcard K.453 of Patricia (2) at Harwich

Funnel of Ready is visible in the background.

 

 

 

 

 

Ready (2)

(Trinity House: 1947-77)

 

This class of three ships were built 1947/48 to re-equip the Trinity House fleet following the war. They were much larger than previous vessels, at around 1920 grt. They were the last steamships in Trinity House service. Vestal was built in Bristol and was originally stationed in Swansea. The Ready was built in Blythe and served at Harwich for 30 years. Argus was built in Port Glasgow.

 

More images of Ready (2)

 

 

Cotman Colour (Jarrold) postcard FWP/H2 showing Ready (2) at the Trinity Pier in Harwich. Mermaid in the background.

 

 

 

 

 

Mermaid (3)

(Trinity House: 1959-87?)

 

The Mermaid Class of three diesel-electric lighthouse tenders were built to replace older steam-propelled vessels. They were all built by Whytes of Cowes, were 221 feet long and 1425 gross tons. The first delivery, Mermaid (3), was initially stationed in Great Yarmouth. The second vessel Siren was based in Cowes, and Stella was stationed at Penzance. A fourth similar vessel, the Winston Churchill, was added in 1964. She replaced the Siren at Cowes, which moved to Harwich. By the mid-1970s, Mermaid had also moved to Harwich, along with the older Ready (2) and Patricia (2).

 

More images of Mermaid (3)

 

 

Two photos of Mermaid (3) passing Felixstowe in 1985.

Photos: © Ian Boyle.

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia (3)

(Trinity House: 1982- )

 

Patricia (3) is one of two Lighthouse Tenders currently operated by Trinity House (2003). She was built by Robb Caledon in Leith in 1982. Patricia is 284 feet long and 2541 gross tons - the largest lighthouse tender that Trinity House had ever owned. She carries a crew of 23. Patricia (3) replaced the Patricia (2), and as the Trinity House "yacht", and led the Royal Yacht Britannia at the D-Day 50th Anniversary Fleet Review in 1994. Patricia is also fitted with the additional accommodation for inspecting committees etc. From 2003, this accommodation is available for the use of up to 12 passengers whilst Patricia (3) undergoes her normal duties.

 

More images of Patricia (3)

 

Simplon Postcards issue sm5001, released in July 1994, showing Patricia leaving Harwich.

 

 

Photograph of Patricia arriving at Harwich in April 2003.

Photos: © Ian Boyle.

 

 

Photograph of Patricia at Harwich in April 2003.

Photos: © Ian Boyle.

 

 

 

 

 

Mermaid (4)

(Trinity House: 1987- )

 

Mermaid (4) was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in 1987, and at 2820gt is even larger than the Patricia. She does not have the extra passenger accommodation of the "yacht" Patricia, so will not be used for passenger cruising. Mermaid is normally based at Swansea.

 

More images of Mermaid (4).

 

 

Photograph of Mermaid off Harwich on 27th July 2003.

Photos: © Ian Boyle.

 

 

 

 

 

Pilot & Port Vessels

 

 

Harwich Haven Patrol, vessel No.1.

Photo: © Ian Boyle.

 

 

Harwich Haven patrol, vessel No.1.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 16th May 2004.

 

 

Harwich Haven patrol, vessel No.1.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th September 2005.

 

 

Harwich pilot vessel No.6.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 16th May 2004.

 

 

Exchanging pilots on PS Waverley.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th October 2004.

 

 

Pilot vessel No3 Haven Hobby

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 31st May 2008

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Harwich Lighthouses

 

 

The original Lower Light at Harwich (now disused).

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 28th May 2005.

 

 

The original Lower Light at Harwich.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 28th May 2005.

 

 

The original Lower Light at Harwich.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 28th May 2005.

 

 

The original Lower Light at Harwich.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 28th May 2005.

 

 

The original Lower Light at Harwich.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 22nd January 2005.

 

 

The original Lower Light at Harwich.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 22nd January 2005.

 

 

The original Lower Light at Harwich.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th September 2005.

 

 

Harwich Lower Light

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th December 2006

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Harwich Lower Light

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th December 2006

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The original Higher Light at Harwich (now disused).

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th September 2005.

 

 

The original Higher Light at Harwich (now disused).

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th September 2005.

 

Harwich Higher Light

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th December 2006

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The new Higher Light at Dovercourt.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th September 2005.

 

 

The new Higher Light at Dovercourt.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th September 2005.

 

 

The new Higher Light at Dovercourt.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th September 2005.

 

 

Dovercourt Higher Light

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th December 2006

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Dovercourt Higher and Lower Lights

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th December 2006

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The new Lower Light at Dovercourt.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th September 2005.

 

 

The new Lower Light at Dovercourt.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th September 2005.

 

 

The new Lower Light at Dovercourt.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th September 2005.

 

 

The new Lower Light at Dovercourt.

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th September 2005.

 

 

Dovercourt Lower Light

Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th December 2006

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