Historic Vessels, Trinity Buoy Wharf

'Diana' built in 1890.

Not only is Trinity Buoy Wharf home to historic buildings and home to various artists and sculptures, but it also home to some historic vessels. These vessels are of national importance, so it is important that they are preserved.

DIANA

'Diana' is a rivetted steel/wrought-iron Thames Lighter built in 1890 by unknown London builders. She is typical of many hundreds of 'barges' used on the River Thames, canals, tributaries, docks and the  Port of London for the transport of cargo, aggregates and supplies between wharves, warehouses and ships.

Usually towed singly or in large groups by river or dock tugs, they were also hand rowed by one man going with the tide, this is known as ‘barge driving’ and is still celebrated in the annual Thames Barge Driving Match.

'Knocker White' built in 1924.

KNOCKER WHITE

'Knocker White' is a Dutch-built tugboat, but was originally the steam tug 'Cairnrock'. She was built by T.Van Duijvendijk’s yard at Lekkerkek near Rotterdam, for Harrisons (London) Lighterage Limited, in 1924. The steam engine came from Crabtree & Co. while the boiler came from Blair & Co. Limited They were fitted at Fellow’s & Co. Limited’s dry dock, Great Yarmouth. 

In the early years of the vessel’s history, the 'Cairnrock' was used to tow Harrisons’ floating steam-powered coal elevator 'Wotan' around the lower reaches of the River Thames. The tug was designed for general towage work and had the ability to 'drop-down' her funnel for up-river work, that required passing under the bridges.

'Knocker White' built in 1924.

In 1960, the tug was acquired by Alfred White and then passed to W E White and Sons (Towage) Limited, in 1962. It was at this time that the tug’s name was changed and the original engine and boiler removed. Two 'Petters' marine diesel engines were fitted with their associated fuel tanks. Alterations were also made to the wheelhouse, with an external forward companionway, that provided separate access to the main cabin. The original funnel was replaced by another drop-down funnel, made in around 1943, which was removed from the steam tug 'Pinklake'.

She is now preserved as a museum ship.

'Lightship LV95', built in 1939.

LIGHTSHIP LV95

'Lightship LV95' was built in 1939, by Philip and Sons of Dartmouth, for Trinity House. 

She was used mainly at their South Goodwin station, on the Goodwin Sands, but did visit other stations. LV95 is 1 of 3 built to the same design; LV93, currently berthed in King George V Dock and LV94, moored in Rotterdam. 

In the 1990s LV95 became the first United Kingdom based Lightship to be converted to solar power. This allowed for automatic unmanned operation. Following a complete refit, in 1999, she remained in service until 2003.

LV95 was sold at auction, by Trinity House, to the owner of Port Werburgh Marina, on the Medway, and was later sold to Ben Phillips, who converted her into a floating recording studio.

In 2008, she was permanently moored at Trinity Buoy Wharf.

'SS Robin' built in 1890.

SS ROBIN

'SS Robin' is internationally recognized as being the only complete Victorian steam ship in existence. She is also the only one left with its original steam engine and boiler, in situ. 

Between 1850 and 1950 several thousand large coastal cargo steam ships were built, of which 'SS Robin' is the sole survivor.

'Suncrest (Sun XXIII)' built in 1961.

SUNCREST (XXIII)

'Sun XXIII' was built in 1961, by Phillip & Sons at Dartmouth, for W H J Alexander Limited (Sun Tugs), operating with them from 1961-1968. 

Built for ship towage work, on the River Thames, her 1080bhp 'Mirrlees Blackstone' engine meant she was one of the most powerful tugs in service. 

There are only two remaining 'Sun Tugs' in the United Kingdom: The 'Suncrest (Sun XXIII)', which is the largest and the only remaining tug of its kind on the River Thames, and 'Kingston (Sun XXIV)'.