One of Britain’s most important historic vessels is planning major celebrations in 2025 to mark 70 years as a sea-going tribute to the country’s maritime heritage.
Saved from the scrapheap after more than 20 years’ service as a cargo ship, the Hampshire-based SS Shieldhall, has been offering passengers a chance to experience the golden age of steam since 1991.
Owned and operated by volunteers, it is the country’s largest working steamship and has become a frequent sight around the Solent becoming a living time-capsule showcasing the beauty and romance of ‘Steam at Sea’.
Built on the classical lines of a 1920s steamer with a traditional wheelhouse, it is part of the National Historic Fleet, and the vessel’s hull, superstructure, boilers and steam engines are all original.
During its public sailings, visitors can see the engine room with its steam engines at work, visit the bridge with its traditional instruments, and view the ship’s steam assisted steering gear, as well as talk to the captain and crew.
First launched on the River Clyde in July 1955, it was originally used for transporting treated sewage sludge.
But the ship also continued a tradition dating back to the First World War, which saw Glasgow’s sludge vessels provide free day trips in the summer on the Clyde for disadvantaged families and wounded or disabled ex-servicemen and women. Because of that, the Shieldhall was built with a large saloon and facilities to accommodate day-passengers.
Each year the ship runs a series of public sailings and private charters as well as offering a venue for hire at its Southampton berth, but for its anniversary year there will be extra events.
Shieldhall’s rich social history will be celebrated on all its voyages in 2025, which will launch with flags flying on its first outing of the year on 24 May, while other events include sailings over the weekend of 12 and 13 July; a ‘Celebration of Steam’ on 23 August marking the RAIL200 anniversary; and a ‘Liners Day’ exhibition and cruise on 30 August.
Several open days will also be staged between March and September when Shieldhall will be open free of charge for ‘alongside visits’ providing an opportunity for visitors to explore the ship from stem to stern.
And as part of its 2025 programme, the ship will be helping celebrate another major milestone for Hampshire – the 250th anniversary of author Jane Austen’s birth. ‘Jane all at Sea’ will celebrate her nautical connections with a trip to Portsmouth on 31 August 2025, sailing from Southampton. Tickets cost £62 adults, £23 children, £147 for a family.
For more details of all events and sailings, visit https://ss-shieldhall.co.uk
All tourist information for Hampshire can be found at www.visit-hampshire.co.uk