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Trinity House
 
 
This page is devoted to postcards and photographs of Trinity House vessels. A separate page shows ships of the Northern Lighthouse Board covering Scotland and the Isle of Man. I will also include details of some Commissioners for Irish vessels (eventually providing a separate page). An alphabetical list of ships covered on this page is shown below. I have only listed ships for which I have images available. Beneath this are official postcards of the fleet in chronological order.
 
In 2003 it was announced that passengers would be able to book cruises on the Trinity House ship Patricia, hence the inclusion of this page under Cruise Ships. The definitive history of Trinity House tenders is "Keepers of the Sea" by Richard Woodman, published in 1983 by Terence Dalton. An updated edition was published in 2005. 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 and Mermaid. Great Yarmouth closed on 2nd May 2003, Penzance followed in December 2004, and East Cowes is due to close before 2007. The 2003 fleet also includes the smaller vessels Ready and Vectis. Following review of review in 2003 held between Trinity House and the Commissioners for Northern Lights (ie: Scotland and the Isle of Man) and the Commissioners for Irish Lights (complete Irish coast), it was decided that a combined fleet of four large tenders, plus a smaller Rapid Intervention Craft (RIC) would be sufficient. This fleet will consist of the current vessels Patricia and the Irish Granuaille. Two new vessels will be built, based on the design of Granuaille, to replace the Mermaid and the Northern Lighthouse Board's Pharos. A new Rapid Intervention Craft (RIC) will replace Ready and Vectis.
 
THV Patricia, flagship of the Trinity House Lighthouse Service visited the Pool of London between 5-6th February 2003 as part of a major publicity campaign to launch the introduction of passenger voyages on the vessel. Passengers will be given the opportunity to sail around the coasts of England, Wales and the Channel Islands whilst the vessel performs a variety of duties including the maintenance of floating aids to navigation, such as buoys and light vessels, the refuelling of offshore lighthouses, and on occasions dealing with shipwrecks that are a danger to navigation.
 
Voyages are being marketed through Strand Travel, who specialise in arranging passenger voyages on commercial vessels. Market research has indicated strong interest from lighthouse/ship enthusiasts and members of the public seeking that "unique holiday experience".
 
The Patricia can accommodate up to 12 guests, with prices starting at £180 per day for a seven-night voyage. Revenue generated from the enterprise will be paid into the General Lighthouse Fund, which is used to fund the lighthouse services provided by Trinity House and its sister authorities in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. The introduction of passenger voyages is the result of recent legislation enabling the General Lighthouse Authorities to exploit spare capacity.
 
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. The General Lighthouse Authorities are funded from light dues levied on commercial shipping calling at ports in the United Kingdom and Ireland - at no expense to the taxpayer.
 
 
Ships on This Page:-
Alert - 2006-
Argus (5) - 1948-1974
Beacon - 1925-1960
Galatea - 2007-
Mermaid (3) - 1959-1986
Mermaid (4) - 1987-
Patricia (2) - 1938-1982
Patricia (3) - 1982-
Pharos - (Northern Lighthouse Board: 2000- )
Pole Star - (Northern Lighthouse Board: 2000- )
Ready (2) - 1947-1977
Ready (3) - 19??-
Satellite (2) - 1924-1961
Siren (2) - 1960-1987
Stella (2) - 1961-1989
Vectis - 19??-2006
Vestal (5) - 1947-1975
Winston Churchill - 1964-1989
 
Sections on This Page:-
Trinity House Tenders
Commissioners of Irish Lights
 
Associated Pages:-
Trinity House Light Vessels
Northern Lighthouse Board
Cruise Ship Postcards
Ferry Postcards
Simplon Postcards Home Page
 
References:-
"Keepers of the Sea" - Richard Woodman, published 1983 by Terence Dalton.
"Keepers of the Sea" - Richard Woodman, updated edition published 2005 by Chaffcutter Books.
www.trinityhouse.co.uk - Trinity House home page
www.cil.ie - Commissioners of Irish Lights home page
www.nlb.org.uk - Northern Lighthouse Board (Scotland & the Isle of Man)
 
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Table of Ship Histories
Name
Other names
 Built
 Alert  
 2006
 Galatea  
 2007
 Mermaid (4)  
 1987
 Patricia (3)  
 1982






Trinity House Fleet List



Satellite (2)
(Trinity House: 1924-1961)
 
A Pearson sepia postcard of Patricia (2) (left) and Satellite (3) (right) at Penzance.
Date is before 1951 when Patricia (2) received a replacement mainmast (the original was removed during the war).
Satellite was replaced by the Stella in 1961.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beacon
(Trinity House: 1925-1960)
 
Postcard of Beacon arriving at Cowes with the Calshot light vessel.
 
 
Postcard of Beacon plus the Red Funnel ferry Vecta.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Patricia (2)
(Trinity House: 1938-1982)
 
Patricia (2) was built in 1938 by Smith's Dock of Middlesbrough. 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. Patricia (2) was sold for use as a berthed club in Sweden, last reported as being in Stockholm.
 
 
A Pearson sepia postcard of Patricia (2) and Satellite (3) at Penzance.
Date is before 1951 when Patricia (2) received a replacement mainmast (the original was removed during the war).
 
 
Postcard of Patricia (2) at Harwich.
 
 
F.W.Pawsey postcard H4 of Patricia (2) at Harwich, with a DFDS freighter in the background.
 
 
F.W.Pawsey postcard K.453 of Patricia (2) at Harwich, with the funnel of Ready visible in the background.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vestal (5) (1947-1975)
Ready (2) (1947-1977)
Argus (5) (1948-1974)
 
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.
 
 
Cotman Colour (Jarrald) postcard FWP/H2 showing Ready (2) at the Trinity Pier in Harwich, with Mermaid in the background.
 
 
Cotman Colour (Jarrald) postcard FWP/H1 showing Ready (2) at the Trinity Pier in Harwich, with Mermaid in the background.
 
 
Harvey Barton postcard M8O of Harwich, with the funnels of Ready (2) and one of her sisters visible in the background.
The funnels had been increased in height by this time compared to the views above.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mermaid (3) (1959-1986)
Siren (2) (1960-1987)
Stella (2) (1961-1989)
Winston Churchill (1964-1989)
 
The Mermaid Class of three diesel-electric lighthouse tenders were built to replace older steam-propelled vessels. They were all built by Whyte's 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 and Patricia (2).
 
 
Photograph of Mermaid (3) passing Felixstowe in 1985.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Mermaid (2) - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photograph of Mermaid (3) passing Felixstowe in 1985.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Mermaid (2) - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photograph of Mermaid (3), laid up alongside a light vessel off Harwich in 1987.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Mermaid (2) - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photograph of Siren (2), laid up off Harwich in 1987.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Siren - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photograph of Siren (2), laid up off Harwich in 1987.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Siren - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Lilywhite postcard PEZ/C2 of Stella (2) at Penzance.
Stella replaced the Satellite (2) on the Penzance station in 1961.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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) 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. Visit www.trinityhouse.co.uk for the latest information.
 
Additional images of Patricia (3)
 

Simplon Postcards issue sm5001, released in July 1994, showing Patricia leaving Harwich.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Patricia - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
 
Photograph of Patricia off Harwich.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Patricia - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photograph of Patricia arriving at Harwich in April 2003.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Patricia - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photograph of Patricia arriving at Harwich in April 2003.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Patricia - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photograph of Patricia off Cowes (Cowes Week), 30th July 2005.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Patricia - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Trinity House tenders Galatea and Patricia at Harwich
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 5th October 2007






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.
 
 
Additional images of Mermaid (4)
 
 
This photo of Mermaid (4) was supplied by Trinity House.



This photo of Mermaid (4) and Patricia was supplied by Trinity House.



Photo: © Ian Boyle, 27th July 2003.
Click to open large image in new window
THV Mermaid - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 27th July 2003.
Click to open large image in new window
THV Mermaid - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 27th July 2003.
Click to open large image in new window
THV Mermaid - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 27th July 2003.
Click to open large image in new window
THV Mermaid - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photograph of Mermaid at Harwich Trinity Pier on 3rd August 2003.
The sailing vessel at the pier is the replica Endeavour.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Mermaid - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk






Ready (3)
 
This photo of Ready (3) was supplied by Trinity House.
 
 
Ready (3) at Harwich with Patricia, April 2003.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Ready - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Ready (3) at Harwich on 15th June 2003.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Ready - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Ready (3), plus a lightship, at Harwich on 15th June 2003.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Ready - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Ready (3) at Harwich on 3rd August 2003.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Ready - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Ready (3) at Harwich on 16th November 2003.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Ready - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Ready (3) at Harwich on 19th November 2005.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Ready - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Ready (3) at Harwich on 16th April 2006.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Ready - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Ready (3) at Harwich on 16th April 2006.
Photo: © Ian Boyle.
THV Ready - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk






Vectis
 
This photo of Vectis was supplied by Trinity House.
 
 
Photograph of Vectis anchored off Harwich.
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.
THV Vectis- Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photograph of Vectis anchored off Harwich.
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.
THV Vectis- Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photograph of Vectis anchored off Harwich.
Note the Martello tower beneath the green tank.
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 19th November 2005.
THV Vectis- Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk






Alert (2006- )
 
On Tuesday 11 October 2005, the new Trinity House Rapid Intervention Vessel (RIV) Alert was launched at the Stocznia Remontowa SA shipbuilders yard in Gdansk, Poland. She arrived in Harwich in April 2006. Alert is a coastal working vessel and will, in addition to maintaining aids to navigation, provide a fast response to incidents and carry out emergency wreck marking and hydrographic survey services. Her primary area of operation will be the busy shipping routes of the Dover Strait, English Channel and Southern North Sea. The Alert marks the first stage of an investment of £38 million on three new vessels by the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLA’s) of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The vessel will be equipped with 3000kw main engines and is 52.5 tonnes deadweight. She has twin CCP drives, bow thrusters and a dynamic positioning system.
More images of Alert
 
 
Alert at Harwich on 16th April 2006 - she had arrived 3 days earlier.
Photo: © Ian Boyle
THV Alert - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photo: © Ian Boyle
THV Alert - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Photo: © Ian Boyle
THV Alert - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Trinity House tender Alert off Felixstowe
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th February 2006
THV Alert - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Trinity House tender Alert off Felixstowe
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th February 2006
THV Alert - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Trinity House tender Alert off Harwich
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 9th December 2006
THV Alert - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Trinity House tender Alert arriving at Harwich
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 4th November 2007
 
 
Trinity House tender Alert arriving at Harwich
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 4th November 2007






Galatea (2007- )
 
 All images of Galatea open larger copies in a new tab
More images of Galatea
 
 
The ceremonial cutting of the steel to begin the construction of the new 84m Trinity House Multi-Function Tender (MFT) THV Galatea occurred at the Stocznia Remontowa SA shipbuilders yard in Gdansk, Poland, on Tuesday 11 October 2005. The Galatea arrived in Harwich from Poland on 23rd July 2007. The Galatea is a replacement for THV Mermaid (4) which will be sold out-of-service once Galatea has successfully completed an initial period of trials and crew training. She has an overall length of 84.20 metres and breadth of 16.50 metres. The level of sophistication in her equipment is second to none and boasts dynamic positioning, a large aft working deck area, integrated bridge management system and forward helicopter flight deck. She is also able to carry out additional tasks such as hydrographic surveying and wreck finding and contract commercial work.
 
General particulars:
Shipyard: Stocznia Remontowa SA, Gdansk, Poland
Date Vessel launched: 26 July 2006
Port of registry: London
Length overall: 84.20m
Length between perpendiculars: 75.00m
Length loaded water line: 79.20m
Breadth moulded: 16.50m
Depth moulded to main deck: 7.20m
Design draught moulded: 4.25m
Scantling draught moulded: 4.50m
Air draught: 30.00m
Gross tonnage: 3569 tonnes
Diesel electric
Two azimuth propellors
Two bow thrusters
Trial speed: 13.50 knots
Service speed: 12.50 knots
Crane capacity: 30 tonnes
 
 
Trinity House tenders Galatea and Alert at Harwich
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 27th July 2007
THV Galatea - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Trinity House tenders Galatea and Alert at Harwich
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 27th July 2007
THV Galatea - Trinity House - Photo: © Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Trinity House tenders Galatea and Patricia at Harwich
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 5th October 2007
 
 
Trinity House tender Galatea at Harwich
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 5th October 2007
 
 
Trinity House tender Galatea at the Tower for her naming ceremony by HM the Queen
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th October 2007
 
 
Trinity House tender Galatea at the Tower for her naming ceremony by HM the Queen
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 17th October 2007






Northern Lighthouse Board
 
The Northern Lighthouse Board, is the General Lighthouse Authority for Scotland and the Isle of Man. They have also ordered an 84m MFT, a sister of the Galatea of Trinity House, which is anticipated to be delivered in the autumn of 2006. A new page on the Northern Lighthouse Board will be created when I have more images.

Pharos
 
Photo: © J W Phillips






Pole Star
 
Northern Lighthouse Board's tender Pole Star in use by Trinity House
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 20th May 2007
Pole Star - Northern Lighthouse Board - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Northern Lighthouse Board's tender Pole Star in use by Trinity House
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 20th May 2007
Pole Star - Northern Lighthouse Board - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Northern Lighthouse Board's tender Pole Star in use by Trinity House
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 20th May 2007
Pole Star - Northern Lighthouse Board - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Northern Lighthouse Board's tender Pole Star in use by Trinity House
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 20th May 2007
Pole Star - Northern Lighthouse Board - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Northern Lighthouse Board's tender Pole Star in use by Trinity House
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 20th May 2007
Pole Star - Northern Lighthouse Board - www.simplonpc.co.uk
 
 
Northern Lighthouse Board's tender Pole Star in use by Trinity House
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 20th May 2007
Pole Star - Northern Lighthouse Board - www.simplonpc.co.uk






Commissioners of Irish Lights
 
The Commissioners of Irish Lights is an all-Ireland body responsible for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. They provide traditional aids to navigation - lighthouses, buoys and beacons - together with radio navigation aids.
 
Princess Alexandra (1863-1904)
 
I have been seeking to identify the steamer at Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire) in this picture for some years. I suspect it may be the Princess Alexandra which was operated by the Commissioners for Irish Lights between 1863 and 1904. She is very similar in design to the Trinity House vessels Galatea (1868) and Vestal (2) (1855). I would be grateful in anyone has further information on this: mailto:simplon@simplon.co.uk
 
 






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