A deal that makes HMS Trincomalee – Britain’s oldest floating warship – a full subsidiary of the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) has been hailed as great news for Hartlepool.
The Napoleonic-era vessel which is permanently moored at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience in the town’s marina, will now be marketed as part of the NMRN brand, hopefully leading to an influx of visitors.
Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Leader of Hartlepool Council, said: “What better way is there to increase the number of visitors to Hartlepool and boost the local economy?
“I welcome this announcement and the Council looks forward to working further with the HMS Trincomalee Trust and the NMRN in the months ahead to see what more can be done to achieve the best for Hartlepool.”
HMS Trincomalee has now joined an impressive NMRN fleet of famous vessels which includes HMS Caroline, the sole survivor of the World War One Battle of Jutland; HMS Alliance, the UK’s only surviving British Second World War era submarine; and HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar.
The ship which was built in India from teak after being ordered in 1812, stands as a lasting tribute to the craftsmanship of Hartlepool workers who painstakingly restored her over several years.
[mappress] Press Release, June 19, 2014; Image: Wikimedia